DTE Energy donates $10K to skate park fund

Members of the Belding Skate Park Committee are one step closer to giving the youth in Belding and the surrounding region a place to practice their boarding and skating skills.

The DTE Energy Foundation donated $10,000 to help fund the park and bring it closer to an $100,000 goal.

"Belding is an important community to us," said DTE Energy Regional Manager Roger Royer. "It's important to reach out to customers, no matter their age."

He said the donation is a small way to contribute to the city and encourage young people to stay in Belding.

Belding Skate Park Committee member Roger Wills said the group is currently at about $70,000, thanks to donations and pledges from area businesses, organizations and individuals. Grant applications have also been submitted. He said he was grateful for the donation and hopes more donors will jump on board because of it.

"It's going to help give some momentum, I think, for other donors," said Wills.

He added it is possible concrete will be laid in the spring at the Central Riverside Park location, but the committee has yet to make some set decisions.